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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Blears 'to run for deputy leader' | Blears 'to run for deputy leader' |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| Labour chairman Hazel Blears is to launch a bid for the party's deputy leadership. | Labour chairman Hazel Blears is to launch a bid for the party's deputy leadership. |
| She will be the sixth MP to enter the race to replace John Prescott when he stands down later this year with Prime Minister Tony Blair. | |
| The Salford MP, who is seen as a loyal Blairite, is expected to make a formal announcement on Saturday. | The Salford MP, who is seen as a loyal Blairite, is expected to make a formal announcement on Saturday. |
| A source told the BBC last week that she had received a "strong" show of support from MPs and party members. | A source told the BBC last week that she had received a "strong" show of support from MPs and party members. |
| Cabinet ministers Hilary Benn, Peter Hain and Alan Johnson are already campaigning for the deputy leadership, along with Constitutional Affairs Minister Harriet Harman and backbencher Jon Cruddas. | Cabinet ministers Hilary Benn, Peter Hain and Alan Johnson are already campaigning for the deputy leadership, along with Constitutional Affairs Minister Harriet Harman and backbencher Jon Cruddas. |
| Chancellor Gordon Brown is seen as the strong favourite to replace Mr Blair, but the deputy contest is regarded as far more open. | Chancellor Gordon Brown is seen as the strong favourite to replace Mr Blair, but the deputy contest is regarded as far more open. |
| Ms Blears, who became party chairman last May, has faced criticism from potential rivals for the deputy leadership that she has been campaigning behind the scenes for some months. | Ms Blears, who became party chairman last May, has faced criticism from potential rivals for the deputy leadership that she has been campaigning behind the scenes for some months. |
| On Wednesday, veteran left winger Michael Meacher said he wanted to challenge Gordon Brown for the party leadership. | On Wednesday, veteran left winger Michael Meacher said he wanted to challenge Gordon Brown for the party leadership. |
| He joins fellow left-winger John McDonnell as a potential candidate. | He joins fellow left-winger John McDonnell as a potential candidate. |
| Both men must now gain the backing of 45 Labour MPs to get on to the ballot and trigger a contest. | Both men must now gain the backing of 45 Labour MPs to get on to the ballot and trigger a contest. |